WESTBOROUGH – It may have been gray skies above, but there was plenty of color at the 13th annual Arts in Common event at Bay State Commons on Saturday, Sept. 30.
At the event, sponsored by the Westborough Cultural Council, visitors checked out more than three dozen vendors and activities.
Those activities included a petting zoo hosted by David French Music; a caricature artist; henna designs; typewriter poetry; an art tent to make your own magnets; origami; and a Kid’s Corner. Vendors offered a wide range of products for purchase, from cigar-box guitars to handmade soaps, handmade knits, artwork and stained glass.
On the stage, there were performances through the afternoon. Dancers from Ekta Dance Academy demonstrated the basics of Bollywood dancing, with the audience encouraged to participate.
Other acts included singer/musician Paul Courchaine; Hung Gar Kung Fu and Lion Dance Academy; We & the Dawg (soul and R&B music); Henry the Juggler; and the Worcester Jazz Orchestra.
Near the stage, the council dedicated a bench to Lynn S. Watts, who was active with the organization for 16 years, including six years as chair.
After a slow start because of the weather, the crowds began to pick up around lunchtime. Just beyond the tents, several food trucks served up pizza, vegetarian fare, baked goods and other items.
“I’m thrilled with the attendance so far,” said Michelle French, the council’s secretary and a member of the Arts in Common Committee. “The Bollywood performance and dance drew a lot of participation.”
Additional event sponsors included Avidia Bank, Cumulus Global, Central One Federal Credit Union, Cornerstone Dental Care Inc., Curry Printing Co., David French Music Company, Aallanco Service Company, DCU, Dolan & Mahoney Insurance, Dr. Richard Irwin, Emily Hendricks-Bramley, EMSEAL, Grossman Development Group, James N. Ball & Co., Jody and Lester Hensley, Main Street Bank, Mathieu Newton Sotheby’s International Realty, Maureen and Ian Johnson, Mirick O’Connell, Rep. Hannah Kane Charitable Foundation and Roche Bros.
Grant applications
The council is accepting applications for the 2024 grant cycle. Deadline is Oct. 17.
The activity must take place in Westborough, be advertised and open to the public, and be handicapped accessible. The venue and date must be scheduled before submitting the application.
Applications are open to the following categories: individuals, private nonprofit organizations, unincorporated associations that can establish a nonprofit objective, schools, libraries or other public agencies, religious organizations (with some restrictions), and the local cultural council itself.
For information, visit https://www.westboroughma.gov/cultural-council
